New computer models that look at ocean temperatures instead of the atmosphere show the clearest signal yet that global warming is well under way, according to Barnett, who presented his data at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Barnett said climate models based on air temperatures are weak because most of the evidence for global warming is not even there."The real place to look is in the ocean,"

Other researchers found clear effects on climate and animals.

Ruth Curry of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that melting ice was changing the water cycle, which in turn affects ocean currents and, ultimately, climate."As the Earth warms, its water cycle is changing, being pushed out of kilter," she said. "Ice is in decline everywhere on the planet."A circulation system called the Ocean Conveyer Belt is in danger of shutting down, she said.

Sharon Smith of the University of Miami found melting Arctic ice was taking with it algae that formed an important base of the food supply for a range of animals.And the disappearing ice shelves meant big animals such as walruses, polar bears and seals were losing their homes.

Multiple Choice:What will the right-wing response be to these latest scientific studies.

A. Ignore it.B. Denounce it as biased.C. Call for more studies.D. All of the above